In situ hybridization to Bonamia ostreae cells in the gills of the oyster Ostrea edulis. Photo: Marc Engelsma

DAO SPECIAL 7:

Microcell parasites of molluscs

Protistan parasites in the genera Bonamia and Mikrocytos are among the historically significant mollusc pathogens, and they remain economically and ecologically relevant today. The study of them has flourished over the last decade with the arrival of a new generation of researchers into the field and the introduction of new tools and methods. As a product emerging from discussions at the 2012 Microcell Working Group meeting in Lelystad, the Netherlands, this DAO special focuses on recent discoveries on the biology and distribution of microcell parasites and developments concerning their detection, with a particular emphasis on the dynamic state of knowledge related to Bonamia exitiosa.